RuPaul's Drag Race UK champion Ginger Johnson has delivered a masterclass in handling online negativity after a troll targeted her appearance on BBC One's Celebrity MasterChef. The star, who secured a place in the final this week, responded with characteristic grace and sharp wit to a cruel social media post.
A 'Ludicrous' Clapback Goes Viral
Following her success in Tuesday's semi-final, which aired on December 17, 2025, Ginger Johnson found herself the subject of a vicious comment on X, formerly Twitter. A viewer branded the 36-year-old drag performer, whose real name is Donald Marshall, "absolutely ludicrous" for cooking in full glamorous drag, complete with her signature large ginger wig.
The commenter wrote: "Ginger, you're not a 'woman' you look absolutely ludicrous," adding the show's hashtag. Rather than engage with the hostility, Ginger offered a succinct and stylish retort: "Thank you, sweetheart! 'Ludicrous' is exactly what I’m aiming for. Have a lovely Christmas."
Fans swiftly flooded the thread with support, praising her response. One admirer wrote: "Well you’re succeeding beyond expectations dear, well done," while another noted the irony of the critic using the show's official hashtag.
The Road to the Celebrity MasterChef 2025 Final
Ginger's place in the final was confirmed after a tense semi-final episode that saw tenor Alfie Boe, 52, eliminated. Boe was sent home after his emotionally charged two-layer cake, dedicated to his late father, failed to fully impress judges Grace Dent and John Torode. Dent noted the "Le Mis" part of the cake was undercooked and tasted "a bit of egg," despite praising the accompanying Yorkshire parkin.
This leaves Ginger to compete for the title against writer Dawn O'Porter and rugby star Alun Wyn Jones in the grand finale. The trio successfully navigated a daunting Chef’s Table challenge at The Boat, a three-rosette restaurant in Lichfield, Staffordshire, cooking for a panel of six top chefs including Sat Bains and Paul Ainsworth.
From Drag Race to the MasterChef Kitchen
Ginger Johnson, who won RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2023, has built a formidable career beyond the drag stage. She has co-presented the online breakfast show Wakey! and hosted her own BBC Three series, Ginger's House. The performer is also a published children's author, having written Glamorous Gran and Other Tall Stories, which she has performed at London's Southbank Centre.
Her journey on Celebrity MasterChef has been followed by a dedicated fanbase, who were thrilled to see her progress to the last stage of the competition. The final, which will crown the 2025 champion, airs on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
